Priest River man arrested, child enticement
CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months AGO
SANDPOINT — A Priest River man was arrested this week for allegations of child enticement.
Tyson Josiah Schultz, 49, was arrested April 23 and charged with felony enticing a minor under 16 through the internet. He was placed in jail on a $150,000 bond.
Charges were filed in late December 2025 for crimes that were allegedly committed in November 2025. He is facing up to 15 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine.
A criminal complaint indicates that Schultz is being charged for using a communication device to solicit, lure or entice a minor to engage in sexual conduct, where he is accused of sending an erotic image to a minor under 16.
Documents further contend that Schultz had admitted to the crimes to an unspecified individual, where he allegedly claimed he would “commit suicide if they told the police.”
Schultz was described in a probable cause affidavit as someone who would allegedly buy vapes for underage girls for free if they were allegedly willing to flirt with him.
He is expected to appear in court May 6 for a preliminary hearing, where the court will determine if there’s enough evidence against him to continue with the felony charge.
A probable cause affidavit indicates additional alleged instances of sexual abuse regarding a separate minor under the age of 16. At this time, the charges reflect only the alleged enticement charge. The charging document may change throughout the case if more evidence comes to light.
Anyone who suspects sexual abuse should contact the Bonner County sexual abuse 24/7 helpline at 208-265-3586. For an alternate helpline, call 208-263-6714.
ARTICLES BY CHLOE COCHRAN
Surveyor contract approved for planning department
The Bonner County Planning Department was approved Tuesday to contract with a local surveying company after months of searching for a second surveyor.
Marine Division to follow state waterskiing statute
Amid conversation about a proposed amendment to the county’s waterskiing safety regulations to reflect House Bill 887, Bonner County Marine Division officials will regulate waters based on the state regulations until the county can determine if they’re legally allowed to impose stricter guidelines.
County appoints Songstad as hearing examiner
After months of operating without a hearing examiner, Bonner County commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Allan Songstad to fill the position during Tuesday’s business meeting.